A Smartphone App to Catch Drunk Drivers

A new iPhone and Android app called the DuiCam can help concerned citizens catch drunk drivers in action. The free smartphone app, which has already been downloaded 1,000 times, was created by Frank Vahid, a computer science professor in the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside. In the past, Vahid says he's observed and reported many drunk driving accidents himself, but his reports were often futile when he couldn't catch the license plate number. "These things happen so quickly and license plates are quite small, so it's very hard to get it at the time," he says. "That's why I was thinking it would be helpful to have a device that's always recording what's in front of the car." By mounting their phones on the dashboard, app users can record footage of suspect vehicles. Then, after safely pulling over, they can replay the video footage and zoom in on the license plate and other identifying marks, which they can then pass on to the police. Vahid says drunk driving is one of the "biggest and most outrageous" problems facing the country. "Over 10,000 deaths a year in the US [are] caused by drunk driving and several hundred thousands of injuries. If you think about it, that's three Sept. 11s every year," he says, "and it's a pretty absurd situation because it's preventable." More information is available at DuiCam.org.

This Arizona rehab prescribes high doses of AA meetings and backpacking for young guys who not only need to get sober, but also learn the basics (think cooking and cleaning) of living in the real world.

This SoCal rehab fosters a regimented but respectful recovery environment, where teens learn how to live sober through plenty of 12-step meetings and life-skills classes—not to mention "equine-assisted psychotherapy" and mixed martial arts.

Want many of the luxury amenities A-listers have come to expect—including an enormous backyard with a pool and patio, an herb garden, a volleyball net and a spectacular vista of the Santa Monica mountains—with a recovery program to match?

Anaheim Lighthouse is a drug and alcohol rehab with a more residential feel to it than many of its competitors. The suburban surroundings are replete with palm trees and green lawns, and the houses also have outdoor lounge areas with benches and small decorated fountains.

In addition to the 12-step / holistic therapy approach, what Palm Partners alumni consider the most meaningful part of their stay is the positive relationships built with fellow alumni and a deep love and appreciation of many of the therapists, counselors and techs who work there.

An alternative to 12-step programs, Gulf Breeze Recovery offers panoramic ocean views in a caring and therapeutic environment. Housing up to 26 residential guests, this luxury facility offers a choice of semi-private or private rooms with or without ocean views.